COSMETICS IS NOT AFFECTED BY THE ECONOMIC CRISIS
The cosmetics sector is a strategic industry that is recognized worldwide.
COSMETICS IS NOT AFFECTED BY THE ECONOMIC CRISIS: WORTH OVER €41 BILLION
With a supply chain that generates a turnover of over €41 billion and
creates around 440,000 jobs, the cosmetics sector is a strategic industry that
is recognized worldwide.
According to Euromonitor International, the global beauty & PC
market is set to continue its solid and structural growth trajectory in 2025,
exceeding €587 billion in value and recording a steady increase compared to
2023 and 2024, supported by rising average prices, product innovation, and
demand increasingly focused on quality, performance, and specialization. This
figure is even more significant when considering the tense and unstable
economic and political context due to the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East
and Ukraine and the protectionist measures being discussed at various economic
forums.
PRESTIGE AND PREMIUM SEGMENTS DRIVING EXPANSION
Expansion is being
driven by the premium, prestige, and dermocosmetic segments, which are showing
more dynamic growth than the mass market, reflecting consumers' willingness to
invest in high value-added solutions, wellness, and self-care. Key categories
such as skincare, haircare, and fragrances also continue to perform well,
reinforcing the role of beauty as a resilient and countercyclical sector. In
this context, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of further consolidation, with
more moderate but stable growth prospects, geared towards qualitative market
evolution rather than simple volume expansion. The Fragrances segment remains
one of the most resilient and aspirational pillars of the beauty market,
playing an increasingly central role in value creation. Globally, fragrances
continue to benefit from a strong push towards premiumization, ranking among
the most dynamic categories within beauty thanks to high spending propensity
and a strong emotional connection with consumers. The sector is fully in line
with the growth of premium and prestige beauty, driven by olfactory innovation,
brand storytelling, and the growing relevance of fragrances as objects of
identity and collectibles.
SOCIAL MEDIA AND SKIN INFLUENCERS
According to Strategic Management Partners, in addition to
differentiation strategies focused on innovation and quality, social media and
skin influencers are playing an increasingly central role in surviving the
tough competitive arena of cosmetics. Currently, part of the purchasing
decisions in the cosmetics sector in Italy, particularly for Gen-Z, is
influenced by social platforms and tutorials, revealing their decisive role in
shaping consumer choices. Confirming this trend is the growing presence of Italian
brands on platforms such as Instagram and YouTube, suggesting a tangible change
in the dynamics of promotion and purchasing in the cosmetics market.
